News Flash

The City of Rockford Community and Economic Development Department has made Environmental Review Records for planned projects available for review and public comment. 

Learn more at www.rockfordil.gov/689/Environmental-Reviews. 

The City of Rockford’s Community and Economic Development Department announced today the launch of the Business Association Grant (BAG) Program and Business Association Development Grant Engagement (BADGE) Program. 

Business District Associations are essential organizations that play a critical role in the development and success of local economics.  As the representatives that support the collective interests of the businesses within specified geographies, they foster collaboration among local business owners, property owners, and community stakeholders.  The associations act as the unified voice advocating for the initiatives and improvements to those corridors which enhance the vibrancy and appeal of the area.  Such associations are key to creating thriving, sustainable commercial districts that benefit businesses, residents, and the broader community.  

In recognition of this work, the BAG Program and BADGE Program provide funding to strengthen business associations as engines for local economic vitality, support activities that improve business climate, increase foot traffic, and enhance commercial corridors, and encourage collaboration among businesses, property owners, and community partners.  The BAG Program will provide up to $40,000 to existing business associations and the BADGE Program will provide up to $10,000 in seed funding to establish a business association.  

For more information about the Programs and requirements, visit www.Rockfordil.gov/BusinessAssociationFundingPrograms email anna.garrison@rockfordil.gov or call 779-348-7449.

The Snow Emergency, including odd/even parking, is now canceled. 

The Snow Emergency, including odd/even parking, is now canceled. 

In an effort to support the growth of local businesses, the City of Rockford will soon launch the Business Advancement Program, a new economic development initiative designed to support businesses as they advance their operation.

The program offers five-year forgivable loans to qualifying for-profit businesses that operate from a commercial or industrial-zoned brick-and-mortar location within the city limits. The goal of the program is to promote business advancement, job creation and long-term investment in Rockford’s local economy.

"This program is about helping Rockford businesses grow, expand and innovate," said Mayor Tom McNamara. "We recognize the critical role that local business plays in our city’s economy and this program provides funding to scale their business as they take the next step in the growth of their company.”

To qualify for the Business Advancement Program, eligible projects can include a variety of costs associated with the growth of business offerings that are directly tied to the advancement of the business. These costs can include equipment upgrades, rent, salaries, marketing and other operational expenses. Applications will be reviewed on a competitive basis using the program criteria and scoring chart. Initial loans will be provided at a 1:1 match up to $25,000. Although a project’s total cost may be greater than $50,000, $25,000 is the maximum reward amount for this program. Each participant’s loans will be fully forgiven after a five-year period, provided the business sustains operations, remains in compliance with zoning and licensing, and maintains a continued presence in Rockford.

Program Highlights:

• 5-Year Forgivable Loans
• Available to for-profit businesses in commercial or industrial-zoned brick-and-mortar properties that are located within an eligible area
• Funds may not be used capital improvements or construction of any kind
• Loan forgiveness is tied to full compliance with the terms of the Development Agreement 

The City of Rockford Economic Development Department will administer the program and provide technical assistance to applicants throughout the process.

Applications for the Business Advancement Program will open on December 1, 2025 and closes December 31, 2025. Interested businesses are encourage to view the informational webinar on November 26, 2025 or attend office hours for more information. They may also visit the City of Rockford’s website for full eligibility requirements and application guidelines.

For more information, visit www.rockfordil.gov/businessadvancementloanprogram, email EconomicDevelopment@rockfordil.gov or call the City of Rockford Economic Development Department at (815) 387-7162.

The City of Rockford Commercial Corridor Property Revitalization Program is now open for applications!

Eligible Corridors: The program is open to commercial and industrial-zoned properties located within the following designated corridors:

• Harrison Avenue: Rock River to S Alpine Rd
• N Main Street: Brown Ave to Campus Hill Blvd
• Rockton Avenue: Van Wie Ave to W Riverside Blvd
• S Alpine Road: Larson Ave to Bypass 20
• S Main Street: Kent St to Marchesano Dr

Program Highlights:

• Forgivable loans covering up to 75% (up to $25,000) for project costs on exterior building improvements and interior improvements (for ADA improvements only) in eligible corridors. 
• First-come, first-served basis per corridor until all funds are exhausted. 

Program Application Link

The City of Rockford is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd’s EV Readiness Program, a regional initiative to prepare communities for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

Through this program, Rockford has implemented smart and effective policies to make it faster and easier for residents and businesses to install EV charging stations. These efforts will help support widespread EV adoption across the community, moving Rockford toward a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.

“The City of Rockford is honored to participate in the EV Readiness Program, which has played a vital role as we work to modernize our transportation system and ensure the benefits of clean mobility reach every neighborhood,” says Mayor McNamara. “This program helped us lay the groundwork for a more sustainable, inclusive future – one that supports economic opportunity, environmental stewardship and community well-being. We look forward to building on this momentum.”

Benefits of Electric Vehicles:

• Energy efficient: EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels, compared to only 12–30% for conventional gasoline vehicles.
• Lower emissions: EVs do not emit tailpipe emissions, making them cleaner to operate than gas or diesel vehicles—especially when charged with renewable energy. 
• Improved air quality: Lower emissions mean healthier air for Rockford residents.
• Performance benefits: EVs provide quiet, smooth operation and strong acceleration.
• Reduced maintenance costs: With fewer moving parts, EVs avoid oil changes, tune-ups, and other frequent maintenance costs.
• Reduced energy dependence: EVs use electricity, a domestic energy source, reducing reliance on imported fuels.

By completing the EV Readiness Program, Rockford joins a growing network of Illinois communities leading the way toward clean transportation. The City remains committed to building equitable access to EV infrastructure while helping residents and businesses take advantage of the many benefits of electric vehicles.

Join Mayor McNamara at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, August 15, at the Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman Street, as he kicks off our citywide Rockford (815) Day celebrations.

Immediately following the news conference, the library will keep the festivities going with a hands-on activity to color a vintage-style postcard featuring library locations throughout history—complete with colored pencils, vintage stamps, and ink pads for a nostalgic touch. Plus, join the fun with an Rockford Day Scavenger Hunt! Pick up a special passport, complete fun tasks and earn raffle tickets for a chance to win exclusive RPL swag.

There are more than 100 deals, specials and events planned for the day. Here are just a few of those events:

• GoRockford, Rockford Art Deli and River District Association - Join the Rockford Day Block Party in downtown Rockford at State and First Streets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get ready for tons of activities, games, giveaways, DJ, vendor fun, delicious food + beverages, a RAD live print, deals and more! 
• Severson Dells Nature Center- Free guided hike from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Severson Dells Nature Center.
• Ernie's Midtown Pub – Ernie’s is hosting a Muralfront Party from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a photo opportunity in front of Rockford sports teams mural, and Rockford Swag Basket giveaways every 2 hours.
• The Standard - Free popcorn and sodas will be available during the Rooftop Cinema Series showing of A League of Their Own at 8:30 p.m.
• SWIFTT and Miracle Mile – The organizations are hosting a free, guided bus tour to showcase the city’s history and landmarks. Participants will board at Don Carter Lanes at 8:45 a.m., depart at 9 a.m., and travel a narrated route with stops at Nicholas Conservatory & Sinnissippi Gardens, Chávez Mexican for lunch, the Ethnic Heritage Museum & Ginestra House, and Klehm Arboretum, returning at 3 p.m.
• Kith and Kin Art Collective - Kith and Kin Art Collective, 510 E. State Street, will celebrate Rockford Day with its 8-1-LIVE event on August 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening includes live painting from collective artists Drew Eurek and Jessica Quam, live music from local musicians, and pop-up vendors Cloth and Canvas and Odd Oddities.
• Inscape Collective - Celebrate Rockford Day with Inscape Collective, 201 7th Street! Stop by between 4–7 p.m. to draw or write a memory of Midtown—or share your dreams for its future. Enjoy live music by Tom Mack from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and refreshments from local Midtown neighbors.
• 815 Silent Disco - Celebrate Rockford Day in style at Top Dollar Slots! From 8:15 to 10:15 p.m., 815 Silent Disco will host a one-of-a-kind silent disco event.
• Edgebrook - Shop the mall sidewalk sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., then stick around for a live concert by Nauti-Nauti in Center Court from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Think Big - Celebrate Rockford Day and Black Business Month at the Think Big Rockford Mixer, 1311 N. Main, from 5 to 9 p.m. Connect with 20 local vendors, enjoy live music, and end the night with a DJ set.

For a complete list of events, visit https://www.gorockford.com/rockford-day/rockford-day-events/

For a complete list of specials, visit https://www.gorockford.com/rockford-day/rockford-day-specials/

Residential Neighborhood Sign Program - Now Accepting Pre-Applications! 

Creating a welcoming entrance is not only a way to convey the name of a neighborhood, but it should provide a meaningful opportunity for neighbors to connect and engage in valuable conversations around neighborhood culture and identity. The City of Rockford is excited to offer an opportunity for neighborhoods to receive financial support in establishing beautiful, inviting entrances that thoughtfully reflect the diversity and culture of their residents.

The City of Rockford is now accepting pre-applications for this program. For more information, visit the Neighborhood Voice page. 

In 2018, the National Resource Network (NRN) and the City of Rockford partnered to develop a seven-year financial plan, which focused on improving the City’s fiscal sustainability and economic competitiveness. As part of this work, NRN and the City prepared a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. NRN is led, in part, by Enterprise Advisors.

“In 2017, our revenue projections were bleak for the future,” says Mayor Tom McNamara. “We knew we needed experts to come in and assess our community, our finances and our neighborhoods.”

Enterprise looked at the condition of physical property in each neighborhood, and used various data points, including vacant properties, foreclosures, code violations and homeownership rates, to describe the general conditions of the built environment and what tools/interventions could be used to address issues for each neighborhood. The City then used that data to prioritize funding for direct involvement in property improvement; for investing in key partnerships that would bring overall improvements; and for advocating for needed policy and funding changes that would help our community improve and maintain our properties. Enterprise also looked at different data points that would describe strong neighborhoods, middle neighborhoods and emerging neighborhoods to produce the original study.

From 2018 to 2023, the City invested in key initiatives to improve housing and reduce vacancies. The establishment of the Northern Illinois Land Bank and the transition of the Winnebago County Trustee to Region 1 Planning Council provided critical tools to address foreclosures and vacant properties. Creating a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in partnership with Rockford Local Development Corporation (RLDC) and private financial institutions to help revitalize homes, boosting homeownership while reducing code violations. Additionally, the City funded emergency furnace, weatherization and home rehab programs, along with the Critical Home Repair Program, leading to significant property improvements and fewer code violations.

Late last year, Enterprise analyzed our neighborhoods again. This time, most neighborhoods ranked as strong, showing that in the last five years the City positioned our neighborhoods to be ready for new construction and growth in value. (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/974adb9666084252a0b0cb4c24be7951)

Key results from the study include:

• Economic Growth: Property values increased by 56% since 2017 creating wealth for property owners, violent crime fell by 34%, and thousands of new jobs were created.
• Strategic Planning: Rockford partnered with the National Resource Network (NRN), Enterprise Advisors, and others to develop a data-driven multi-year financial plan and Neighborhood Revitalization Typology.
• Infrastructure & Investment: The city leveraged federal and state funds to execute major capital improvements and created financial incentives to attract new residents and businesses.
• Community Development: Initiatives like the Rockford Promise program provide free college tuition for eligible students, while housing programs encourage new development and home rehabilitation.
• Future Focus: Rockford plans to continue economic development, expand housing supply, and maintain affordability while ensuring sustained community engagement and safety improvements.

“I’m thrilled we are trending in the right direction based on strategic decisions and initiatives,” says Mayor McNamara. “The next step in the process is to implement our Housing Strategy Framework. It includes action items like building on the success of the Land Bank by advocating for more state resources, investing in new residential housing, increasing funding for the CDFI and using the vacant property ordinance to get more vacant commercial properties back on the tax roll.” 

Due to this historic turnaround, Enterprise recently wrote an article about the City’s “improbable turnaround.” (https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/blog/improbable-turnaround)

The City of Rockford is taking a step toward a stronger, more inclusive future with the launch of a comprehensive Housing Strategy Framework. This plan lays the foundation for a thriving community by ensuring access to diverse and high-quality housing options that support economic growth, social equity and an enhanced quality of life. 

By coordinating public and private resources, Rockford aims to create and preserve between 6,000 and 9,000 housing units by 2035, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable development and regional expansion. This strategy will help residents live, work and thrive in every neighborhood, making Rockford a more vibrant place for all.

STRATEGY #1: Make Rockford an attractive place to develop in to encourage new housing choices across the market

Actions:

1. Engage local and regional developers through focus groups and check-in meetings to understand their needs and challenges and identify actionable next steps to help address them 
2. Support and expand interest in housing investment in Rockford by mission-aligned out-of-market developers by conducting targeted outreach and building new relationships  
3. Provide developers of affordable properties with a designated point of contact at the City that can help speed up local approvals and avoid delays that could result in financial challenges for the projects 
4. Combine HOME and CDBG funding with innovative financing approaches, such as TIF funding, tax rebates, and fee reductions to support housing development and redevelopment

STRATEGY #2: Apply tailored approaches to specific neighborhood contexts to ensure new development benefits existing and future residents

Actions:

1. Create land use plans for the land around the 6^th and 9^th Street Conversion project and Southwest Railyard Transit Oriented Development project 
2. Where appropriate for the neighborhood context, revise and streamline code and development regulations to encourage a more diverse housing stock 
3. To the maximum feasible extent, focus new development in existing subdivisions with infrastructure in place 
4. Use TIFs strategically to support housing development and reinvestment 
5. Focus new housing development for seniors and people with disabilities in areas with high connectivity and access to essential services 

STRATEGY #3: Strengthen neighborhoods by preserving existing housing stock and revitalizing vacant and abandoned properties 

Actions:

1. Continue implementing the Land Bank/Trustee Program to make vacant and abandoned land available for development or other uses  
2. Provide funding for home rehabilitation programs for households with low, moderate, and middle incomes, including roof and window replacement 
3. Identify obsolete industrial sites suitable for adaptive reuse that could incorporate mixed use development
4. Focus staff time and resources on encouraging full compliance with the Rental Registry and Vacant Land and Foreclosed Property Registry
5. Implement the recently updated Rockford Historic Preservation Plan 

STRATEGY #4: Strengthen capacity of cross-sector partners to support housing preservation and development

Actions:

1. Continue to work with members of the Public Sector Working Group to guide housing preservation and development on a range of shared projects, such as working with the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) to facilitate a pathway to homeownership for RHA-assisted residents, and working with Region 1 Planning Council to identify opportunities to expand funding for the Land Bank 
2. Support community development financial organizations (CDFI) through funding and capacity building to enable them to secure additional funding and effectively allocate it for affordable housing rehabilitation projects 
3. Facilitate the growth and sustainability of community-based development organizations and other community-based organizations that can act as intermediaries between the community and developers; this will help ensure the communities’ needs are addressed by new development and increase community acceptance of new development.
4. Work in partnership with the Rockford Housing Authority and the Rockford Apartment Association to provide training and education opportunities for families and landlords participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program to expand families’ housing options and ensure housing quality 
5. Continue to support workforce development programs and build capacity of local contractors to access city contracting opportunities 

STRATEGY #5: Expand public education, communication, and advocacy to foster more support for housing programs, policies, and development

Actions:

1. Provide education opportunities for city council and the public to learn about fair housing, housing affordability challenges, barriers, and potential solutions (e.g., zoning reform) 
2. Ensure developers are aware of the full range of development opportunities and flexibilities built into Rockford’s zoning and planning regulations and listen to stakeholder ideas for how to further improve them. 
3. Increase community engagement opportunities when conducting planning in neighborhoods and other focus areas and coordinate with neighborhood groups and associations to determine each area’s needs and wants 
4. Promote safe, decent, and affordable rental housing in Rockford by supporting educational opportunities for landlords and tenants
5. Create an annual report to share progress toward implementing Rockford’s housing strategy and achieving its housing goals

To learn more about the framework, attend the next Community Relations Meeting on Thursday, February 13, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers or visit www.rockfordil.gov/163/Neighborhood-Development. If you would like to comment on the framework, please send an email to Sarah.Leys@RockfordIL.gov or call 779-348-7442.

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Beginning on March 1, 2025, the City of Rockford will implement a new vacant and foreclosing property registration platform provided by Tolemi. Currently registered property owners will have to re-register with this new platform. The Register a Vacant/Foreclosing Property page will contain a link to the new registry, the Vacant and Foreclosing Property Registry (VFPR) ordinance, and any relevant documents related to the VFPR. The new registry provides a step-by-step walkthrough during registration. Please be prepared to provide the name, street address, telephone number and email of each owner, authorized agent, and property manager. If you are unsure if your property needs to be registered, the definition of a vacant property, for the purposes of registration, are defined in the ordinance found in the provided link. If you have already made a payment for the 2025 semi-annual renewal, or have any questions or information on vacant properties, please email vacant and foreclosing property or call 779-348-7440.